Treatment brassiere and method of producing same

ABSTRACT

A treatment brassiere includes a breasts-supporting garment and a treatment layer. The breast-supporting garment includes at least a breast support having an inner surface and a securing device for securing the breast support on a user that the inner surface of the breast support is contacting with the breast surface of the user. The treatment layer, which is made of a non-absorptive material with respect to a breast treatment, is fittingly provided on the inner surface of the breast support, wherein the treatment layer form as a treatment barrier between the breast surface of the user and the inner surface of the breasts-supporting garment for substantially keeping the breast treatment on the breast surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a brassiere and more particularly to atreatment brassiere for keeping a treatment on the breasts of the user,which comprises at least a treatment layer provided on an inner surfaceof the breast supports, so as to form a barrier between the innersurface of the breast support from a breast skin surface of the user,such that breast treatment can remain on the breast surface of the userfor the breast surface to absorb.

2. Description of Related Arts

The breasts are a prominent sexual characteristic of the female gender.No doubt that the breast is an important organ in the femalereproductive system, since the milk glands produces milk for feedingbabies. They also act as an important attraction to the opposite gender.

Most female therefore are very conscious of their breasts. They areconscious about their shapes, the sizes, firmness, skin softness. One ofthe methods in which women enhance the appearance of their breasts isthrough wearing bras. The basic function of a bra is to hold the breastsagainst the force of gravity, better define the shape of the breasts andto protect the breasts from discomfort due to direct contacting withclothes.

However, as technology advances, many women now seek for other breastenhancement methods, such as applying breast conditioning lotion andgoing for breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. Also, afterother surgeries such as breast cancer operations or heart operations,the skin condition in the breast area has to be specially taken care of.

Many of these enhancement methods involve the application of creams orlotions. In the case of applying breast conditioning lotion, there arelotions such as breast firming lotions, skin softening lotions andbreast enhancing lotions. In the case of surgeries, very often, lotionsor medications are given to patients for transdermally applying onto theskin in the breast area. Such creams, lotions and medications areusually very expensive, due to their cosmetic or medical nature.

When such creams or lotions are applied to the skin in the breast area,most women will simply take for granted that the creams and lotions arefully absorbed by the skin. However, due to the fact that the breastsare covered up almost all the time by the bra or other garments, whichusually are made of cotton, an absorptive material, most women will notrealize that how much such creams are actually being absorbed by thematerial of the bra or clothing, instead of their breasts.

Not only will the absorption of such creams or lotions hinders thefunctions of such lotions or creams, money is also wasted without thewomen's knowing.

As a result, a product has to be developed to help such cream andlotions to perform their full functions and also reduce the lost ofmoney due to absorption of such creams and lotions by bras or othergarments.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A main object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere for keeping a treatment on the breast surface of the user,which comprising at least a treatment layer provided on an inner surfaceof the breast support, so as to form a barrier between the breastsurface of the user and the inner surface of the breasts-supportinggarment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere, wherein any breast treatment applied onto the breast skinsurface of the user is not absorbed by a material of the breastssupporting garment, and remain on the skin surface of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere, wherein the treatment layer is integrally attached to theinner surface of the breast support, such that the treatment layerremain comfortably in place when the user wears the treatment brassiere.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere, wherein the non-absorptive material of the treatment layersis soft and deformable, such that its shape changes according to amovement of the user, so as to provide maximum comfort to the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere, wherein the non-absorptive material of the treatment layer iswashable and durable, such that the user can easily clean and maintainthe treatment brassiere.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere, wherein the non-absorptive material of the treatment layer isnot allergenic such that it will not irritate the breast skin of theuser and will not cause allergy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatmentbrassiere, wherein the non-absorptive material of the treatment layer isresistant to electricity and oxidation, such that the layers will notcause static electric shock to the user and will not break off due tooxidation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofproducing a treatment brassiere, wherein the treatment brassiere isturned inside out such that the inner surfaces are exposed in a convexmanner, before the treatment solution is applied onto the inner surfaceof the breast support, such that the treatment solution is uniformlyapplied onto the inner surface of the breast support, so as to providemaximum comfort to the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofproducing a treatment brassiere, wherein the method is applicable tobrassieres of all sizes, such that the treatment brassiere can beprovided for women of all sizes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofproducing a treatment brassiere, wherein the treatment layer isintegrally formed on the inner concave surface of breast support, suchthat the treatment layer retains its position while the user can carryon with their daily work.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofproducing a treatment brassiere, a drying agent is applied to thetreatment layer so as to provide a smoother finish to the treatmentlayers.

Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the presentinvention provides a treatment brassiere for keeping a breast treatmenton a breast surface of a user, comprising:

-   -   a breasts-supporting garment having at least a breast support        having an inner surface for contacting the breast surface of the        user, and a securing means for securing the breast supports onto        the user; and    -   at least a treatment layer made of a non-absorptive material        with respect to the treatment, fittingly provided on the inner        surface of the breast support, wherein the treatment layer forms        a treatment barrier between the breast surface of the user and        the inner surface of the breasts-supporting garment, so as to        keep the breast treatment on the breast surface of the user.

The present invention has an alternative embodiment, wherein the presentinvention provides a method of forming a treatment layer on a treatmentbrassiere, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) melting a predetermined amount of non-absorptive treatment        material to form a treatment solution; and    -   (b) applying the treatment solution on an inner surface of the        breast support such that the treatment solution integrally forms        the treatment layer on the inner surface of the treatment        brassiere such that the treatment layer form as a treatment        barrier between a breast surface of a user and the inner surface        of the breasts-supporting garment for substantially keeping a        breast treatment on the breast surface of the user.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a treatment brassiere according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment brassiere according tothe above preferred embodiment of the present invention being used by auser.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of producing a treatmentbrassiere according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the drawings, a treatment brassiereaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention isillustrated, wherein the treatment brassiere, which is adapted forkeeping a breast treatment 2 applied to the breast surface 1 of a user,comprises a breasts-supporting garment 10 and a treatment layer 20.

The breasts-supporting garment 10 has at least a breast support 11 and asecuring means 12 for securing the breast supports onto the user.Conventionally speaking, the breasts-supporting garment 10 has twobreast supports 11 wherein the securing means 12 is extended from thetwo breast supports 11. Each of the breast supports 11 has an innersurface 111, wherein the inner surfaces 111 are the surfaces which facethe breast surfaces 1 of a user such that when the user wears thetreatment brassiere, the inner surfaces 111 of the breast supports arefittingly contacting with the breast surfaces 1 of the userrespectively.

Each of the breast supports 11 covers at least a portion of therespective breast surface 1 of the user. The breast supports 11 areconnected to the securing means 12 of the breasts-supporting garment 10such that the breast supports 11 are secured on the user. According to apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the securing means 12further comprises an enclosing means 122 for the breast support 11 toenclose a torso of the user. The enclosing means 122 includes, but notlimited to, adhesive, elastic band, button, hook and eye fasteners.

Accordingly, the securing means 12 comprises a pair of shoulder straps121 extended from the breast supports 11 respectively. The shoulderstraps 121 enhance the breasts supporting ability of the breast supports11. The securing means 12 secures the breast supports 11 on the user byholding the entire breasts-supporting garment 10 onto a torso areaunderneath the bust of the user. The pair of shoulder straps 121provides a vertical pulling force on the breast supports 11 respectivelyagainst the breast support 11. As a result, the shoulder straps 121pulls the breast supports 11 vertically to hold the breast supports 11firming over the breast of the user. Furthermore, the shoulder straps121 are preferred to be comprised of an elastic material, so as toenhance the vertical pulling force on the breast supports 11.

The treatment layer 20, which is made of non-absorptive materialrelative to the breast treatment 2, is integrally attached on therespective inner surface 111 of the breast support 11. The treatmentlayer 20 forms as a treatment barrier between a breast surface 1 of theuser and the inner surface 111 of the breasts-supporting garment 10.

As the material of the treatment layer 20 is non-absorptive, lotions ormedications as the breast treatment 2 applied to the breast surface 1 ofthe user are separated from the absorptive material of thebreasts-supporting garment 10. After applying lotions or medications tothe breast surface 1, the user can put on the treatment brassiere of thepresent invention to shield the lotions or medications away from otherclothing, such that the lotions or medications remain on the breastsurface 1 of the user, allowing the breast surface 1 to fully absorb thelotions or medications in time. By putting on the treatment brassiere,instead of loosing a large amount of lotions or medications to clothing,all the lotions or medications applied onto the breast surface 1 arefully utilized for treating the breast.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, thetreatment layer 20 is made of natural rubber. Natural rubbers have theproperties of resistant to electricity, oxidation, impact, abrasion,tear and weathering. Latex, being the preferred natural rubber to beused in the present invention, is widely use in the surgical world,where it is famous for its durability, flexibility, insulation property,and not likely to cause allergy or irritation. Surgeons wear them forprotection against contamination when treating patients. It is worth tomention that the treatment layer 20 is deformable with respect to thebreast support 11 for fittingly contacting the breast surface 1 of theuser.

As a result, when the treatment layers 20, which made up of such naturalrubber, are provided on the inner surfaces 111 of the breast supports 11respectively, the breast surface 1 of the user is shielded away from theinner surfaces 111 of the breast supports 11 by the treatment layers 20.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, any breast treatment 2 applied onthe breast surface 1 of the user is shielded away from the innersurfaces 111 of the breast supports 11 by the treatment layers 20.Therefore, the breast treatment 2 remains on the breast surface 1 of theuser.

It is worth to mention that the breast support 11 is shaped and sized tofit the shape and size of the breast of the user such that the curvatureof inner surface 11 of the breast support 11 is corresponding to thecurvature of the breast surface 1 of the user. When the treatment layer20 is provided on the inner surface 111 of the breast support 11, thetreatment layer 20 has a curvature corresponding with the curvature ofbreast surface 1 of the user for fittingly contacting with the breastsurface 1 of the user so as to ensure the breast treatment 2 to beapplied thereon. In other words, the curvature of the treatment layer 20is corresponding to the curvature of the inner surface 111 of the breastsupport 11 such that when the treatment layer 20 contacts with thebreast surface 1 of the user, the treatment layer 20 substantiallyenforces the breast treatment 2 on the breast surface 1 of the user.

Therefore, the flexibility and deformability provided by the material ofthe treatment layers 20 enables the treatment layers 20 to shapeaccording to the movement of the user, so that no discomfort is causedto the user.

Due to the properties of the material of the treatment layer 20, notonly can it provide the user experience with maximum comfort and totalsense of security, the condition of the treatment layer 20 is also easyto maintain as the material is very durable and deformable, allowing thetreatment layer 20 to move and shape according to the movement of theuser, such that the treatment layer 20 remains fittingly attached to thebreast surface 1 of the user.

In order to provide maximum comfort and sense of security to the user,the treatment layers 20 are integrally attached to the inner concavesurfaces 111 respectively, such that the treatment layer 20 remains in afixed position so that the treatment layer 20 forms as an inner side ofthe breast support 11 for supporting the breast of the user. Therefore,the user will not have to worry about the treatment layer 20 not beingin position or falling off, causing embarrassment to the user.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thematerial of the breasts-supporting garment 10, especially the innersurface 111 is made of cotton. Even though other materials are alsoviable, the treatment layer 20 is better integrally attached to theinner surface 111 when the material of the inner surface 111 is cotton.Cotton, in general a more comfortable material for clothing due to itsability to absorb sweat and provide ventilation to the skin, when usedas the material of the treatment brassiere provides better comfort toother areas of the user where the treatment brassiere covers.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the present invention furtherprovides a method of forming the treatment layer 20 on the treatmentbrassiere, wherein the method comprises the following steps.

(1) Melt a predetermined amount of non-absorptive treatment material toform a treatment solution 50.

(2) Apply the treatment solution 50 on the inner surface 111 of thebreast support 11 such that the treatment solution 50 integrally formsthe treatment layer 20 on the inner surface 111 of the treatmentbrassiere such that the treatment layer 20 form as a treatment barrierbetween the breast surface 1 of the user and the inner surface 111 ofthe breasts-supporting garment 10 for substantially keeping the breasttreatment 2 on the breast surface 1 of the user.

The non-absorptive material originally is in the form of solid. In orderto apply to the inner surfaces 111, it has to be first melted to aliquid state. Although the non-absorptive material can be melted by manymethods, it is best to be gradually melted by heat as shown in FIG. 3,with adequate stirring so that all the non-absorptive material isuniformly melted and burning avoided.

It is worth to mention that although it is preferred that the treatmentsolution 50 is evenly applied onto the inner surface 111 of the breastsupport 11, so as to form treatment layers 20 of uniform thickness, thetreatment layer 20 can actually be designed to be of uneven thickness,providing special contours for the user.

The treatment solution 50 is applied onto the inner surfaces 111 throughmany different methods, including but not limited to brushing thetreatment solution 50 onto the inner surfaces 111 or dipping the innersurfaces 111 into the treatment solution 50.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, themethod, in step (2), further comprises the following steps.

(2.1) Turn the treatment brassiere inside out that the inner surface 111of the breast support 11 is exposed in a convex manner such that thetreatment solution 20 is evenly applied on the inner surface 111 of thebreast support 11.

(2.2) Dry the treatment solution 50 such that the treatment layer 20 isintegrally formed on the inner surface 111 of the breast support 11.

(2.3) Turn breast support 11 of the treatment brassiere back to anoriginal shape such that the treatment layer has a curvaturecorresponding with a curvature of the inner surface 111 of the breastsupport 11.

In step (2), the treatment solution 50 is applied onto the inner surface111 of the breast support 11 by means of dipping the inner surfaces 111of the breast support 11 into the treatment solution 50, as shown inFIG. 3. In addition, in order for the convenient and uniform applying ofthe treatment solution 50 onto the inner surfaces 111 of the breastsupport 11, the breast-supporting garment 10 is turned inside out instep (2.1) such that the inner surfaces are exposed in a convex manner.

As a result, when the inner surface 111 is dipped into the treatmentsolution 50 for a predetermined amount of time, a substantial amount ofthe treatment solution 50 will integrally attach onto the inner surface111 of the breast support 11 to form the treatment layer 20.

Furthermore, if the breasts-supporting garment 10 is a collapsible type,the breast support 11 cannot retain the cup shape when lying flat. Inorder to help dipping the inner surface 111 of the breast support 11into the treatment solution 50 when the breast support 11 is turnedinside out, a convex mold 60 is placed at the outer surface of thebreast support 11 to retain the shape of the inner surface 111 of thebreast support 11 before the treatment solution 50 is applied on theinner surfaces 111 of the breast support 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the convex mold 60 has a convex retention surface tocontact with the outer surface of the breast support 11 so as to retainthe shape of the inner surface 111 of the breast support 11 when thebreast support 11 is folded inside out. When the inner surface 111 ofthe breast support 11 is exposed, the inner surface 111 of the breastsupport 11 is dipped into the treatment solution 50, such that thetreatment solution 50 is integrally attached onto the inner surfaces 111of the breast support 11.

The step of dipping the inner surface 111 of the breast support 11 intothe treatment solution 50 provides the most uniform treatment layers 20on the inner surface 111 respectively since it only involves a naturaladhesion force between the treatment solution 50 and the material of theinner surface 111. Other methods such as brushing the treatment solution50 onto the inner surface 111 of the breast support 11 may causeirregularity to the treatment layer 20.

After the treatment solution 50 is dried onto the inner surface 111 ofthe breast support 11, the method further comprises a step of applying adrying agent 70 to the treatment layer 20 to provide a smoother finishto the treatment layer 20, as well as to better dry the treatment layer20. Accordingly, the drying agent 70 is talcum powder, which isessentially hydrous magnesium silicate. The application of the talcumpowder to the treatment layer 20 provides a matt finish to the treatmentlayer 20, leaving the texture of the treatment layer 20 smooth and soft,so as to provide maximum comfort to the user.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in the drawings and described above isexemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have beenfully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown anddescribed for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structuralprinciples of the present invention and is subject to change withoutdeparture from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes allmodifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

1. A treatment brassiere for keeping a breast treatment on a breastsurface of a user on, comprising: a breasts-supporting garmentcomprising at least a breast support having an inner surface, and asecuring means for securing said breast support on said user that saidinner surface of said breast support is contacting with said breastsurface of said user; and a treatment layer made of a non-absorptivematerial with respect to said breast treatment, fittingly provided onsaid inner surface of said breast support, wherein said treatment layerform as a treatment barrier between said breast surface of said user andsaid inner surface of said breasts-supporting garment for substantiallykeeping said breast treatment on said breast surface of said user. 2.The treatment brassiere, as recited in claim 1, wherein said treatmentlayer has a curvature corresponding with a curvature of breast surfaceof said user for fittingly contacting with said breast surface of saiduser so as to ensure said breast treatment to be applied thereon.
 3. Thetreatment brassiere, as recited in claim 1, wherein said treatment layeris made of natural rubber such that said treatment layer is deformablewith respect to said breast support for fittingly contacting said breastsurface of said user.
 4. The treatment brassiere, as recited in claim 2,wherein said treatment layer is made of natural rubber such that saidtreatment layer is deformable with respect to said breast support forfittingly contacting said breast surface of said user.
 5. The treatmentbrassiere, as recited in claim 3, wherein said treatment layer is madeof latex.
 6. The treatment brassiere, as recited in claim 4, whereinsaid treatment layer is made of latex.
 7. The treatment brassiere, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said treatment layer is integrally attachedon said inner surface of said breast support such that said treatmentlayer forms as an inner side of said breast support for supporting saidbreast of said user.
 8. The treatment brassiere, as recited in claim 6,wherein said treatment layer is integrally attached on said innersurface of said breast support such that said treatment layer forms asan inner side of said breast support for supporting said breast of saiduser.
 9. A method of forming a treatment layer on a treatment brassierehaving at least a breast support, comprising the steps of: (a) melting apredetermined amount of non-absorptive treatment material to form atreatment solution; and (b) applying said treatment solution on an innersurface of said breast support such that said treatment solutionintegrally forms said treatment layer on said inner surface of saidtreatment brassiere such that said treatment layer form as a treatmentbarrier between a breast surface of a user and said inner surface ofsaid breasts-supporting garment for substantially keeping a breasttreatment on said breast surface of said user.
 10. The method as recitedin claim 9, in step (b), further comprising the steps of: (b.1) turningsaid treatment brassiere inside out that said inner surface of saidbreast support is exposed in a convex manner such that said treatmentsolution is evenly applied on said inner surface of said breast support;(b.2) drying said treatment solution such that said treatment layer isintegrally formed on said inner surface of said breast support; and(b.3) turning said breast support of said treatment brassiere back to anoriginal shape such that said treatment layer has a curvaturecorresponding with a curvature of said inner surface of said breastsupport.
 11. The method, as recited in claim 9, wherein said treatmentlayer is made of natural rubber such that said treatment layer isdeformable with respect to said breast support for fittingly contactingsaid breast surface of said user.
 12. The method, as recited in claim10, wherein said treatment layer is made of natural rubber such thatsaid treatment layer is deformable with respect to said breast supportfor fittingly contacting said breast surface of said user.
 13. Themethod, as recited in claim 11, wherein said treatment layer is made oflatex.
 14. The method, as recited in claim 12, wherein said treatmentlayer is made of latex.
 15. The method as recited in claim 9, after step(b), further comprising a step of applying a drying agent to saidtreatment layer to provide a smoother finish to said treatment layer onsaid treatment brassiere.
 16. The method as recited in claim 10, afterstep (b), further comprising a step of applying a drying agent to saidtreatment layer to provide a smoother finish to said treatment layer onsaid treatment brassiere.
 17. The method as recited in claim 14, afterstep (b), further comprising a step of applying a drying agent to saidtreatment layer to provide a smoother finish to said treatment layer onsaid treatment brassiere.
 18. The method, as recited in claim 15,wherein said drying agent is talcum powder.
 19. The method, as recitedin claim 16, wherein said drying agent is talcum powder.
 20. The method,as recited in claim 17, wherein said drying agent is talcum powder.